One of our Twitter friends, Menzefo Dahlia, brought this event to our attention. You can follow her on Twitter, or at her blogs, Queen Rania’s Closet or African Royalties.
His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini died on March 12, 2021. He was the reigning King of the Zulu nation, which was formalized under the Traditional Leadership clause in the 1996 South African constitution.
He ascended to the throne of the Zulu Nation in 1968, after the death of his father, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon. His son predeceased him, dying last year, a victim of an alleged poisoning.
The King was a much-loved visionary monarch, who worked to preserve the cultural identity of the Kwa-Zulu Natal. He was also a pillar of strength and stability and an advocate for victims of gender-based violence.
He spoke strongly against the xenophobic attacks which took place in South Africa back in 2018-2019, and even recently and urged the South African government to do something about it.
He heavily invested in the bringing forth the Zulu culture to where it is now. He ensured that important dates and days in the Zulu history were remembered.
He is greatly mourned by the people of South Africa. A state funeral may be planned in the near future.